Witnesses sought in SoMa stabbing

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A man celebrating his 21st birthday suffered life-threatening injuries when he was stabbed near a San Francisco nightclub in the South of Market neighborhood early Sunday morning, police said today.

Approximately 20 to 30 people witnessed the stabbing, which occurred just before 2 a.m. down the street from Club Hide, located at 280 Seventh St., police said.

The club's manager, who wanted to be identified only as Ray, said the victim was "causing a disturbance in the club" before security guards removed him.

"He was jumping on stage with the entertainers," Ray said. "He acted like king of the hill."

Police said the stabbing was coupled with punches and called the incident "a brutal assault" that may have been gang related.

No arrests have been made, and police are asking for witnesses to step forward with information, Sgt. Steve Mannina said.

One suspect who was wearing dark clothing is described as a Hispanic man in his early 20s, between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. The second suspect is a black-haired Hispanic man who was clad in black clothing. The third suspect, also described as a Hispanic man with black hair, was wearing a brown shirt and light blue jeans.

The victim remains hospitalized, police said.

Anyone with information is urged to call inspector Rick Martin at (415) 553-9089 or the Confidential Tip Line at (415) 575-4444.